What types of trees do you offer?

Why do I need an event date?

The "event date" refers to a specific event - i.e. wedding, family reunion, Arbor Day celebration - that occurs on a specific day. We use that date to determine when and how to ship your trees so that they arrive in great condition with the best timing possible. We want to minimize the amount of time you have to store the trees in order to ensure that they're as fresh as possible for your event.

What if I don't have an "event?"

If you're purchasing Gift Trees that will not be given at a specific event, please choose the day that you'd like to use them (planting, gift giving, etc.). That date would be what we call the "event." This way, we can guarantee that you'll get the best trees in the best possible condition.

Where can Gift Trees be shipped?

Gift Trees can be shipped year round to any of the contiguous 48 United States and Alaska. Due to live plant import and export regulations, we aren’t able to ship to Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or to other countries.

When will my Gift Trees be shipped to me?

We'll ship your Gift Trees early the week of your event in order to guarantee they'll be in great condition when you receive them a day or two prior to your event date. If you receive them earlier than that, they'll need to be stored and keeping the trees in good condition will take extra effort. Seedling trees are usually less than one year old, and they need water, light, and air in order to stay fresh until they are planted. But if left too long in the shipping carton without adequate refrigeration or air flow, they won't stay beautiful for long. Let us worry about caring for the trees so you can focus on other details of your event.

Can I get express shipping?

Absolutely. Gift Trees are shipped via UPS, and Ground shipping is included in the applicable standard Shipping and Handling charge. Gift Trees can be shipped using UPS Next Day Air, 2nd Day, or 3 Day Select service at the customer's request, and we'll bill your credit card for the expedited shipping charges.

Can I mail trees individually?

Yes! Gift Trees make a big impact when shipped one at a time. We'll mail them via USPS to your list of addressees, and you can opt to include a message or logo on a special label or insert a brochure or other information. Individual mailers are $6.00, and the price includes the tree, tube, cardboard mailer, and postage. Custom label and service charges will apply as appropriate.

What if I would like to do a special promotion using special packaging?

We would be happy to work with you to create a one-of-a-kind presentation. The Arbor Day Foundation's goal is have as many people as possible plant our beautiful trees and we will work with you to make your gift one that lasts many lifetimes. Please call 402-473-2116 or gifttrees@arborday.org.

What should I do when I receive my Gift Trees?

Your trees will arrive clearly labeled as Live Plants. Open the box and visually inspect the trees to make sure they've all arrived in good condition. If you need to store them for a few days, make sure the open box is stored in the refrigerator or at least kept in a cool place like a garage or basement. Do not freeze your trees or leave them in the car or direct sunlight!

What if my Gift Tree isn't in good condition when I get it?

We do everything in our power to assure that our Gift Trees arrive as perfect specimens. Sometimes weather, shipping, and other conditions prevent that. If you receive a tree that isn't exactly what you thought it would be, please call Member Services at 888-448-7337. They will help to arrange a replacement or refund, and the return of the original trees.

What is the Gift Trees replacement policy?

The Arbor Day Foundation guarantees that your Gift Tree will grow or we will replace it free for up to one calendar year from date of shipment. Please call our Member Services department at 888-448-7337 with your member or original order number.

What if I get the wrong tree species?

How do I plant my Gift Trees?

Select a sunny location. Remove all weeds, grass, and duff from a 3' circle around the site. Dig a saucer-shaped hole 10" across, to allow the roots to spread as the tree grows. Turn the soil and break up any large clods. Remove the tree from the tube and the plastic bag from around the root plug. Place the plug just below the surface of the soil, completely covering the roots. Do not plant the tree too deep; an inch of soil on top of the root plug is plenty. Water the tree and cover the planting circle with 2-3 inches of mulch such as aged wood chips, pine needles, or tree bark. Do not let the mulch touch the tree. Water the planted seedling regularly when dry (every week or two) during the first year.

Where are Gift Trees grown?

While we do partner with reputable growers around the country to help us provide trees to all our customers year-round, it's most likely that the Gift Trees you receive are grown right here at the home of Arbor Day -- Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City, NE. Our greenhouse is equipped with the latest technology to help us grow and care for your beautiful seedlings.

What size and type of packaging will my Gift Tree shipment come in?

Gift Trees are packaged in a 14” poly tube, which is made of 50% post-consumer content. The tubes will be shipped in a heavy cardboard box clearly labeled as Live Trees. Box dimensions vary depending on the size of the total order.

Tree quantity

Box size

70-100

18" x 18" x 16"

25-69

15" x 15" x 15"

2-24

10" x 10" x 16"

For example, if your total order is 150 Gift Trees, you will likely receive one 18" x 18" x 16" box and one 15" x 15" x 15" box.

How long will Gift Trees last in the tube?

Gift Tree packaging is designed to protect the tree from shipment right up to the time the tree is planted. They will last several days in the tube, if they're refrigerated. With regular watering, that could be extended to a few months. However, we recommend that you remove your Gift Tree from the tube and plant it according to the planting instructions on the back of the tube label as soon as possible. Planting your Gift Tree in a 1-gallon pot indoors until spring or fall planting season is a good temporary solution.

How do I recycle my Gift Tree tube?

Gift Tree tubes are manufactured using 50% post consumer recycled material so naturally Gift Tree tubes can always be recycled with other plastics. But there is a better use for it: turn it into a birdfeeder! It's very simple, doesn't require any special tools, and is a great kid-friendly activity. See this page for instructions.

Are Gift Trees different than other trees available through the Arbor Day Foundation?

Yes. The main differences are how the trees are grown and how they're packaged. Gift Trees are plug trees, which refers to the type of root system. It can also be called "container grown." Most membership trees and, with a few exceptions, trees available through Arbor Day Foundation's Tree Nursery are bare root trees, which are shipped only in the appropriate planting season and are not packaged as Gift Trees.

Gift Tree packaging is specifically designed for the size and species of available Gift Trees (see this page for current availability) as a beautiful gift presentation to protect the tree until it arrives at its final planting destination.

Can I bring my Gift trees with me when I fly?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that Gift Trees pose no problem when carried on board domestic flights. We recommend though that travelers pack them in their checked luggage when traveling to California, Arizona, Hawaii, or Alaska. These states have more restrictive live plant regulations.